The Florida Gardener’s Secret Weapon: Your Comprehensive Guide to Florida Fertilizer

Posted on by Cole Council

As a homeowner, landscaper, or agriculture professional in the Sunshine State, understanding the ins and outs of fertilizing is essential to keep your lawn lush, your flowers blooming, and your crops thriving. But with Florida’s unique climate and regulations, figuring out the right approach can feel overwhelming. No worries—we’ve got you covered with this complete guide to fertilizing in Florida.

Fertilizing in Florida

The Necessity of Fertilizer 

Florida’s sandy soils are naturally low in nutrients and organic matter. This means that without regular fertilization, your grass, plants and crops will struggle to grow and stay healthy. Proper fertilizing replenishes key nutrients in the soil, promoting vibrant and resilient plant life.

Florida-Specific Complications

However, fertilizing in Florida comes with some unique challenges. Our state’s heavy rainfall can quickly leach nutrients out of the soil. The heat and humidity also fuel rapid plant growth, further depleting soil nutrients. And if that’s not tricky enough, certain times of year have restrictions on fertilizing to prevent harming sensitive ecosystems. But don’t let this overwhelm you—with the right timing and techniques, you can keep your plants thriving.

When to Fertilize in Florida

The best fertilizing schedule for you depends on where in Florida you’re located. Let’s break it down:

Northern Florida Fertilizer Schedule

In the cooler northern part of the state, aim to fertilize your lawn around 3 times per year:

– Late spring (April-May)

– Mid-late summer (July-August) 

– Fall (October)

For landscape plants, the ideal time is spring and fall. Avoid fertilizing in the winter when plants are dormant.

Central Florida Fertilizer Schedule

In central Florida, a good rule of thumb is to apply fertilizer every 2 months during the growing season:

– Late spring (April-May)

– Early summer (June) 

– Late summer (August)

– Early fall (October)

Avoid fertilizing in the winter and early spring when growth is slow.

South Florida Fertilizer Schedule

In tropical south Florida, plants grow year-round so they need more frequent fertilizing. A general schedule is:

– Early spring (March)

– Late spring (May)  

– Early summer (July)

– Late summer (September)

– Fall (November)

However, always be sure to follow local ordinances, as some areas have fertilizer blackout periods.

Florida Fertilizer Ban

As you know, in Florida we see heavy rains. Due to this fact, Florida enacted a fertilize blackout period. This is to help prevent excessive runoff that could encourage algae blooms.  This “blackout” limits the purchase of fertilizers that contain Nitrogen and Phosphorus. Our favorite fertilizer, Comand, is a great option for topdressing during the blackout period. 

Fertilizer Blackout Dates

While the exact dates vary by area, in general, fertilizer blackouts run from June 1 through September 30. During this time, applying nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer to lawns and landscapes is prohibited. However, you can still use micronutrients and many organic fertilizers during the ban. 

Here are the specific regulations for the top 10 counties in Florida:

1. Miami-Dade County: Ban from May 15 to October 31

2. Broward County: Ban from June 1 to September 30

3. Palm Beach County: Ban from June 1 to September 30

4. Hillsborough County: Ban from June 1 to September 30

5. Orange County: Ban from June 1 to September 30

6. Pinellas County: Ban from June 1 to September 30

7. Duval County: Ban from June 1 to September 30

8. Lee County: Ban from June 1 to September 30

9. Polk County: Ban from June 1 to September 30

10. Brevard County: Ban from June 1 to September 30

It’s important to note that some counties may have additional restrictions or exemptions. Always check with your specific county for the most accurate and up-to-date information on fertilizer regulations.

Keep in mind that the ban only applies to nitrogen and phosphorus. You are still able to apply Iron fertilizers.  You can also apply fertilizers that are mainly organic in nature such as chicken litters, humic acids, sea kelp, and more.

The key to successful Florida fertilizing is working with your climate and regulations, not against them. By fertilizing at the right times with the right products, you’ll keep your corner of the Sunshine State green and thriving. 

Florida Fertilizer Guides

Now that you know when to fertilize, let’s dive into the best types of fertilizer for different plants in Florida.

Best Fertilizer for Florida Grass

We typically suggest rotating a synthetic fertilizer such as a 16-4-8 (2:1 N to K ratio) and an organic fertilizer such as Milorganite every 2 months.  Keep in mind the fertilizer “blackout”. 

While there may be blackouts, you can still apply beneficial fertilizers with Iron, sea kelp, chicken litter, humic acid, and more. Consider iron most closely, as that will give you that dark green hue that people love. Check out our article “How to fertilize florida lawns” for more in-depth tips on keeping your lawn looking its best.

Best Flower Fertilizer in Florida

To keep your flowers blooming beautifully, use a fertilizer high in phosphorus, like a 10-30-10 or 5-10-5 ratio. Phosphorus promotes flower production and root growth. Apply every 6-8 weeks during the growing season. We have in-depth guides on fertilizing a lot of flowers, including hydrangeas, azaleas, and hibiscus. For more advice on nurturing your flower beds, you can dig into those.

Best Fruit Tree Fertilizer for Florida Trees

Citrus and other fruit trees need a fertilizer with a 6-6-6 or 8-8-8 NPK ratio. Micronutrients like iron, manganese, and zinc are also important for preventing deficiencies. Fertilize 3-4 times per year, timed with growth spurts. Dive deeper into fruit tree care with our guide “Fruit tree fertilization in florida.”

Best Fertilizer for Palm Trees in Florida

Palm trees need three main nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). At Council Oxford, we suggest using a fertilizer with a 12-4-12 NPK mix for most palms. This blend gives palms:

  1. Enough nitrogen for healthy green leaves
  2. Phosphorus to help roots grow strong
  3. Potassium to keep the whole tree healthy

This balanced mix works well for most types of palm trees.

 Learn more about caring for these tropical beauties in our article “Fertilize your palm trees like a pro”. 

Best Fertilizer for Florida Gardens

For a bountiful vegetable garden, use a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 or 6-6-6. Supplement with compost or organic fertilizer for soil health. Fertilize heavy feeders like tomatoes and corn every 4-6 weeks, and light feeders like carrots and beans less frequently. Get more tips for a thriving vegetable patch in our guide, “How to master fall gardening in florida.”

Don’t Let the Florida Fertilizer Ban Get You Down

While Florida’s unique climate and regulations can make fertilizing feel daunting, with the right know-how, you can keep your plants thriving year-round.

Remember:

  • Fertilizing is essential for replenishing nutrients in Florida’s sandy soil
  • Fertilizing schedules vary by region, with more frequent applications needed in southern areas
  • Many counties have summer fertilizer bans, so always check your local regulations
  • Choose fertilizers tailored to your specific plants for best results

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry; Council Oxford is here to help. Come visit us or give us a call for expert guidance on all your Florida plant care needs. From selecting the right fertilizer to creating a custom application schedule, we’ll help you navigate our state’s unique landscape with ease. Trust us, your plants will thank you!